The prognosis of breast cancer based on histological assessment

Histopathology data from 298 patients with breast cancer have been stored in a computer, and features influencing survival have been analysed by the life table method and presented in survival curves. Prognostic features assessed were the size, type, and grade of neoplasm, the amount of stromal elastosis and lymphocytic infiltrate, and the presence and number of axillary metastases. The most reliable indications of short survival are the presence of axillary metastases and a high tumour grade. These two features are correlated, as high-grade tumours are much more likely to have metastases at presentation. No statistical difference is found in the survival of patients with metastases in one or two axillary nodes compared with those with larger numbers involved. There are differences in survival in different types of carcinoma; the well-differentiated infiltrating duct carcinoma with tubular pattern has the best prognosis, followed by the medullary carcinoma. The size of the tumour has some prognostic significance, but this is outweighed by its grade.